Hop Clover (Trifolium aureum)

Family: Legume Family (Leguminosae)

Other Names: Yellow Hop Clover, Yellow Trefoil, Yellow Clover

Origin: Introduced from Europe

Historic First Bloom Seen: June 9*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.456' W 84°24.964'

Interesting Facts: This species is very similar to Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) which are both found in close proximity to each other in the meadow area of the preserve. Legumes like this one are very important to an ecosystem as they have nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots. They are one of the few nitrogen-fixing vessels on earth.

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.